(1-0) Las Vegas at. (1-0) Pittsburgh (PIT -5 ½)
The Raiders are coming off a short week that saw them beat the Ravens at home 33-27 in overtime. In order for the Raiders to have any chance, they need to get Josh Jacobs going early. If Jacobs can establish the run that may give QB-David Carr a better chance at throwing the ball downfield, and cut into the Steelers’ pressure. This will be a huge game for rookie OT-Alex Leatherwood as he is going to have a relentless T.J. Watt rushing all day. On defense the Raiders need to exploit the young Steelers offensive line. Maxx Crosby and Yanick Ngakoue will be a tough load to stop.
The Steelers won a game in week one that most experts thought they would lose. Beating Buffalo 23-16, and containing Josh Allen proved that this Steelers defense could be one of the NFL’s elite. The Steelers would love nothing more than having their run game start to gain some big yards. If they can get Najee Harris going early the Steelers should breeze. If the running game stalls then the Steelers will have to rely on a young offensive line being able to give Ben Roethlisberger enough time to make positive plays.
I believe this game goes to the team who can establish the run the earliest. I believe the Steelers find a nice mix and by the second half go on to a 27-20 win.
Take the Steelers and the -5 1/2